

About the Boeing 314 Clipper Flying Boat
The Boeing 314 Clipper is the quintessential flying boat. It’s what most people think of recalling the era when Foynes flourished as the hub of aviation activity between North America and Europe.
One of the largest aircraft of the time, 12 were built for Pan American World Airways, three of which were sold to BOAC in 1941 before delivery. Since the start of the survey flights in 1937, Pan Am’s Clippers completed a total of 2,097 Atlantic crossings.
The Yankee Clipper
Pan Am’s Boeing B314 NC18603, the Yankee Clipper, was the first B314 allocated to the Atlantic division. It was christened by Eleanor Roosevelt on 3 March 1939. Its first visit to Foynes was on the 11 April 1939 under the command of Captain Harold Gray.
B314 Service and Comfort
The Flight Deck
The Passenger Areas
The Top and Bottom of the B314
At the bottom of the plane, pumps forced gasoline stored in sponsons up to the wing tanks and engines. The top of the plane featured the celestial observation turret, from which the flying boat’s position was checked against the sun, moon, and stars.
A Busy Day for Foynes
Saturday, 18 August 1945 was a record day for Pan American World Airways operations in Foynes. Two clippers—the Atlantic and the Dixie—arrived from New York in the morning and returned that night. That day, 101 transatlantic passengers were handled at the airport. It was the record for a day’s operation by one airline. Traveling were nationals from Great Britain, Argentina, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Czechoslovakia, the Netherlands, and the USA.
The Fate of the Boeing 314s
Sadly, no B314 Clippers exist today. Below is the catalog showing the fate of the Yankee Clipper and all other B314 flying boats operated by Pan Am and BOAC (British Overseas Airways Corporation).